16 Russian Kombucha Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!

The Ingredients You Will Need

Kombucha Culture

The key ingredient in making kombucha is the SCOBY, or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. This rubbery disc is what ferments the tea and gives kombucha its probiotic properties. You can purchase a SCOBY online or get one from a friend who already makes kombucha. If you are using a dehydrated SCOBY, you will need to rehydrate it in sweet tea before using it.

Tea

Black tea is the traditional choice for making kombucha, but you can also use green tea or a combination of both. Make sure to use high-quality tea, as the flavor will directly impact the taste of your kombucha.

Sugar

The SCOBY feeds on sugar, so you will need to use a sweetener in your kombucha. White sugar is the most commonly used, but you can also use organic cane sugar, honey, or maple syrup. The sugar will be mostly consumed during the fermentation process, so the final product will not be as sweet as the initial mixture.

Water

Filtered water is the best choice for making kombucha, as it does not contain any chlorine or other chemicals that can harm the SCOBY. Avoid using distilled water, as the SCOBY needs some minerals to thrive.

Flavorings (optional)

Once your kombucha is ready, you can add additional flavorings such as fruit, herbs, or spices to create unique and delicious flavors. These can be added during the second fermentation process.

The Brewing Process

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start brewing your kombucha. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Make the Tea

Boil 4 cups of water and add 4-6 tea bags or 4-6 teaspoons of loose tea leaves. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes, then remove the tea bags or strain the leaves. Add 1 cup of sugar to the hot tea and stir until it dissolves.

Step 2: Add the SCOBY

Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, pour it into a glass jar and add the SCOBY on top. Make sure to use a glass jar, as metal or plastic can react with the acidic nature of kombucha. Cover the jar with a clean cloth and secure it with a rubber band.

Step 3: Ferment the Kombucha

Place the jar in a warm and dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. The ideal temperature for fermentation is between 70-75°F. Let the kombucha ferment for 7-10 days, depending on your taste preferences. The longer it ferments, the tangier and less sweet it will be.

Step 4: Bottle and Flavor (optional)

Once the kombucha has fermented to your liking, remove the SCOBY and reserve it for your next batch. At this point, you can also add any flavorings you desire, such as fruit juices or herbs. Transfer the kombucha to airtight bottles or jars and let it undergo a second fermentation for 1-3 days. This will add carbonation to the drink.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Kombucha

After the second fermentation, refrigerate the kombucha for a few hours to chill. Then, it's ready to be enjoyed! Remember to save some of the finished kombucha to use as a starter for your next batch. Make Your Own Russian Kombucha at Home With this easy and straightforward recipe, you can enjoy the health benefits of kombucha in the comfort of your own home. Get creative with different flavor combinations and impress your friends and family with your homemade Russian kombucha. Cheers!